Bad Camera ! - Lajpat Nagar

My first 2 weeks in New Delhi passed somewhat apartment bound. Exams are underway in the schools and I cannot start again until almost Sept 26th !!   

 Until my family was identified, the AFS hosting coordinator Rachna  and her family were kind to take me in.  I stayed from Sept 2nd in Vasant Kunj suburb west of  NewDelhi which was a small model colony with local market/shoppes, etc.   The area felt cosy and I became very accustomed to it quickly.

On Sept 12th I moved to my host family in  Lajpat Nagar area south and east of New Delhi. Lajpat Nagar is perhaps the most popular commercial location of South Delhi and known for Asia's biggest salwaar-kameez market and an area for  brides called Garam Gali.

With the festival break and following school exams, perhaps we'll have a chance to explore shoppes with clothing,  bangles, beaded decorative pieces and basic things.  The area is know for an  expansive range of food influences from all over Asia...... from delicious Tibetan Momos, Lebanese Shwawarma Rolls,  Chinese Garlic Prawns and then washed down with some fountain soft-drink or 'Banta', an Indian cold-drink made of fresh lime juice, rock salt, Limca and lots of ice.

So for now, pictures mostly of the area immediate to our apartment.  My camera is acting up and focuses at the wrong time, so I hope to figure it out.  Pictures take so long to upload when the internet modem service at times, I'll have to work on quality, not quantity.  I've visited the local Sikh temple, walked the area streets and parks, eaten street food (spicy corn is the food in the picture above), and helped with the family activities.   My mom is a great cook and is teaching me Indian recipes  where the staple is vegetarian. Recently she taught me how to make Laddhu which is a sweet comprised of powdered sugar, ghee and roasted chenna( garbanzo beans).  These are two photos of the Sikh Temple below.

Just a random pic of my little brother playing in the dirt at a construction site next door.

The Family

A local youth group meeting I attended with my sister to learn about Buddhism and its Theories

<----Making Laddhu

Hi everyone! This past week I have recieved my permanent host family. I have a very sweet mom and my dad can be a bit of a joker sometimes. My dad has a scientific/chemist supply business and my mom is a homemaker.  My 2 year old little brother Pratyksh is absolutely adorable. He immediately took to me and now follows me around :) My 15 year old sister Nitya is very nice and we share a bedroom together and already I feel as if she had been my sister all my life. We go out when we can and walk through the streets nearby talking and eating paani puris while she teaches me the ins and outs of Dehli. We have lots of plans to go out and tour Dehli after exams are finished on the 28th. I can't wait experience Dehli and I promise to post as many pictures as I can! For now here are a few shots of my home here in Lajpat Nagar.

1st Look

With as tight a summary as I could compile, here is an official outline, but will begin with my immediate observations: 

Delhi appears more  cosmopolitan and less conservative than Chennai.  While clearly still  "india" in terms of the extremes of wealth to poverty, and the hustle/bustle of street life,  there are clear differences in the style of clothing,  landscape , architecture, and  the food.   I'll hope to share more specific blog entries on each as I grow accustomed to the change and immerse with my family and day-to-day life.      I think I'm really going to like it here. 

FOR THE OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK VERSION

Delhi is the capital of the India and the second populous city after the Mumbai. Delhi is located on the banks of river Yamuna and shares its border with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi was famous from ancient time and it was also the capital of “Pandavas” during the time of Mahabharata. The city has major political, cultural and financial centres.
Delhi has warm summers and cold winters usually. Climate of the city remains hot and humid between the months of April to October. Despite of warm conditions in Delhi there is no reduction of tourists throughout the year.
Hindi, English and Punjabi are the major languages spoken in the Delhi. However English is the official language and Hindi and Punjabi, people used at their home. Delhi has many historical monuments and wonderful buildings and they are given below –

• India Gate – This is 42 meters high and this is known for the memory of the 90,000 Soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. Names of the soldiers was written on the wall of the India Gate.
• Old Fort, Delhi – The fort is located on the small hill and on the bank of the river Yamuna. This is the famous monument in the capital city of India. Legend has it that the fort marked the site of Indraprastha, the glorious capital of the Pandavas, though the creation was carried out by Sher Shah Suri sometime between 1538 to 1545 AD.
• Jantar Mantar – The monument was built by the Rajut Emperor and will resemble the Rajput Empire.
• Humayun’s Tomb – This is Red and White building and was built in the 15^th century. The Agra’s “Taj Mahal” is also inspired by this building.
• Chandni Chowk, Delhi – This is a commercial area and today one of the country’s best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and many other items.
  
  
  

  Lotus Temple
• Parliament House – This is also a sample of extra ordinary art.
• Birla Mardir – One of the top temples in Delhi.
• Akshardham Temple – Representing the Hindu mythology and the Indian culture, the Akshardham Temple stands on the banks of river Yamuna, covering an area of 100 acres. The area of temple is decorated with the fountains and parks.
• Red Fort – The fort was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. 26 January march pass will take place on this spot and the Prime minister on the Independence Day will fly Indian flag here.

Hello! :)

Hi everyone!

Nine days ago I moved from Chennai to New Dehli due to circumstances within my YES Abroad program.  We'll just call it fate ;).     I will be living here for the rest of my 10 month stay in India and looking forward to new relationships with a twist on culture from extreme Southern India  to the far North.

My temporary stay has been with the New Delhi AFS chapter hosting coordinator.  Her family has been so gracious and I really enjoy the company and hospitality in their home.     I will be recieving my host family and school arrangements  on Monday  9/12

I will let you all know what happens but until then don't worry I'm safe and happy :)

-Jenny